Surgery may be indicated for persistent back pain that involves an anatomical problem such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis. Rarely, surgery may be performed on an emergency basis if there are severe symptoms, such as loss of bowel or bladder control, or if a tumor is present.

Effect of Spinal Fusion on Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Spinal fusion is a procedure that joins two bones (vertebrae) in the spinal column together to eliminate pain caused by movement. This, and any other surgery, is a major procedure and should only be...

Effect of Diskectomy on Low Back Pain and Sciatica

A diskectomy is the removal of the protruding disc and part of the backbone and is done to potentially cure some of the pain associated with sciatica. The doctor makes an incision in the back, then a...